Boehmite nanorods were synthesized by a solvothermal method using AlCl3-6H2O in mixed solvents of water and aniline. The solvothermal time, heating temperature and the concentration of aniline have effects on the morphology of boehmite. γ-alumina nanorods were prepared by a simple thermal transformation of boehmite nanorods. A rational mechanism based on the oriented attachment is proposed for the formation of boehmite nanorods. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the boehmite nanorods was also investigated.